To many observers the rivalry between wind tunnels and CFD is a zero-sum game - as CFD matures it simply replaces wind tunnels. However, this is far from the truth. Often you'll find wind tunnels and CFD used together in a symbiotic process where one technique fills in knowledge gaps left by the other.

Are we approaching the end of cluster computing for CFD? Or is it simply the end of the beginning of an era to be further dominated by clusters?

The premise is that a collection of computers (a cluster) can process data in parallel much faster and more cost effectively than a single standalone computer. Until recently clusters were the only viable means to compute large CFD simulations for engineering applications, such as those found in Formula 1.

Some may remember the 1980s for its over-the-top fashion (think big shoulder pads), even bigger hair styles, action movies (who can forget The Terminator?) and the Gordon Gekko greed is good mantra - some things never change! Others will remember the introduction of personal computers - a "dent in the universe" to quote Steve Jobs of Apple.

A few may even remember that the origins of the commercial CFD software industry can be traced to a small number of pioneers in the 1980s,...

After an almost endless stream of success stories (at least according to CFD vendors), CFD recently came in for some implied (if not direct) criticism in two widely reported articles. Peering behind the headlines reveals important lessons in benchmarking and the use of CFD.